Dubai lights up 2014 with World Record for Planet Earth to behold

Thousands of revellers in Dubai, millions across the globe join celebration which peaks with world’s biggest fireworks display

By

Staff

PublishedWednesday, January 01, 2014

Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai on January 1, 2014 to celebrate the new year. Dubai kicked off New Year with a dazzling bid for a new world record to cap those the Gulf city state already holds for its mammoth property developments. The glittering fireworks display that lasted around six minutes spanned over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of the Dubai coast, which boasts an archipelago of man-made islands and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. (AFP)

Dubai welcomed 2014 in its own spectacular style- with a world record and fireworks the likes of which the world has never seen.

(AFP)

Tucked away between Atlantis The Palm and Sofitel is Ground Zero, was central nucleus for the last night of 2013.

(AFP)

At midnight, the world was witness as Dubai set the record for the world’s largest fireworks display.

As Dubai’s 360-second extravaganza unfoled, the Guinness World Record was not enough as the unbelievable display lit up the night sky suggesting visibility even from space.

(AFP)

Thousands of revellers joined in the celebration as the New Year’s Eve Gala at Downtown Dubai gave people the experience of a lifetime.

(AFP)

However, there were several other venues open for all. Impressive display of fireworks at other Dubai landmarks like Burj Al Arab and Dubai Festival City further underlined Dubai’s reputation as the must-visit destination to usher in the New Year.

(AFP)

The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai had made remarkable arrangements as the night is usually marked by intense traffic movement. The arrangements included 24-hour operation of the Dubai Metro, free bus-ride around the key venues, and provision of special cruises for revellers to watch the fireworks in Dubai.

In Dubai it was all about six minutes, 400 locations, 100km shoreline and 400,000 fireworks.

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The performance required 100 computers to synchronise the pyrotechnics, along with a choreographed musical soundtrack. More than 200 expert technicians put in 5,000 hours of work to ensure that the fireworks’ timing was accurate down to the millisecond.

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The show started with a pyrotechnic countdown around the Palm Jumeirah’s crescent.

The islands of The World then lit up all leading to the the fireworks started at the Burj Khalifa.

(AFP)

The Burj Khalifa fireworks display

With millions of visitors - both residents and tourists – building the excitement in Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa fireworks display was a true spectacle of artistic creativity.
Ten stunningly different firework sequences on Burj Khalifa marked the run-up to a musical countdown for the New Year.

Each display also told the world a story – of the UAE’s inspiring success, Dubai’s positivity and ambition, and the design narrative of Burj Khalifa, which is choreographed to the captivating melody of symphonic orchestra music of Downtown Dubai, ‘The Centre of Now.’

Starting off with a dramatic countdown through a display of effects racing up to the pinnacle of Burj Khalifa, 828 metres high, the fireworks began with spectacular sequences including a colourful salute to the nation with the colours of the UAE National Flag.

Silver pearls lend an unmatched ambience in a sparkling celebration of Dubai’s success, especially with its win to host the World Expo 2020. Another stunning display was the tribute to Burj Khalifa, with the fireworks evolving into petals, wrapping the tower much like the Hymenocallis desert flower, which inspired the design of the building.

Abdulla Lahej, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Properties, said: “The celebrations in Dubai now serve as a true benchmark for New Year’s Eve galas across the world. Colourful, spectacularly planned, and creatively executed, the events also underline the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to offer a flourishing, inspirational, and dynamic growth environment in the city, for people from around the world.”

The Downtown Dubai New Year’s Eve Gala was held with the support of the Emirate’s key government entities including Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, the Roads & Transport Authority, and Dubai Ambulance Corporation, among others.